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All seven comG open reading frames are required for DNA binding during transformation of competent Bacillus subtilis.

The seven proteins encoded by the comG operon of Bacillus subtilis exhibit similarity to gene products required for the assembly of type 4 pili and for the secretion of certain proteins in gram-negative bacteria. Although polar transposon insertions in comG result in the loss of transformability and in the failure of cells grown through the competence regimen to bind DNA, it was not known whether the ComG proteins are all required for competence. We have constructed strains missing each of these proteins individually and found that they are all nontransformable and fail to bind transforming DNA to the cell surface. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The herpes simplex virus processivity factor, UL42, binds DNA as a monomer.

The processivity subunit of the herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase, UL42, is a monomer in solution. However, UL42 is structurally similar to sliding clamp processivity factors, such as PCNA, which encircle DNA as a multimeric ring. We used chemical crosslinking and electrophoretic mobility-shift assays to investigate whether UL42 oligomerizes upon DNA binding. UL42 did not form intermolecular crosslinks upon treatment with glutaraldehyde in the presence of DNA, whereas proteins that are known to be multimers in solution were successfully crosslinked by this treatment. This result suggests that UL42 does not form multimers on DNA. We next analyzed the composition of UL42:DNA complexes using electrophoretic mobility-shift assays. UL42 was mixed with a maltose-binding protein-UL42 fusion protein before being added to DNA. The patterns of electrophoretic mobility of the resultant protein:DNA complexes were those predicted if each isoform of UL42 binds to DNA as a monomer. From this result and the failure of UL42 to form crosslinks, we infer that UL42 binds DNA as a monomer.

Carrier Proteins↗

Association between hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF-6) and FoxA2 DNA binding domains stimulates FoxA2 transcriptional activity but inhibits HNF-6 DNA binding.

In previous studies we used transgenic mice or recombinant adenovirus infection to increase hepatic expression of forkhead box A2 (FoxA2, previously called hepatocyte nuclear factor 3beta [HNF-3beta]), which caused diminished hepatocyte glycogen levels and reduced expression of glucose homeostasis genes. Because this diminished expression of FoxA2 target genes was associated with reduced levels of the Cut-Homeodomain HNF-6 transcription factor, we conducted the present study to determine whether there is a functional interaction between HNF-6 and FoxA2. Human hepatoma (HepG2) cotransfection assays demonstrated that HNF-6 synergistically stimulated FoxA2 but not FoxA1 or FoxA3 transcriptional activity, and protein-binding assays showed that this protein interaction required the HNF-6 Cut-Homeodomain and FoxA2 winged-helix DNA binding domains. Furthermore, we show that the HNF-6 Cut-Homeodomain sequences were sufficient to synergistically stimulate FoxA2 transcriptional activation by recruiting the p300/CBP coactivator proteins. This was supported by the fact that FoxA2 transcriptional synergy with HNF-6 was dependent on retention of the HNF-6 Cut domain LXXLL sequence, which mediated recruitment of the p300/CBP proteins. Moreover, cotransfection and DNA binding assays demonstrated that increased FoxA2 levels caused a decrease in HNF-6 transcriptional activation of the glucose transporter 2 (Glut-2) promoter by interfering with the binding of HNF-6 to its target DNA sequence. These data suggest that at a FoxA-specific site, HNF-6 serves as a coactivator protein to enhance FoxA2 transcription, whereas at an HNF-6-specific site, FoxA2 represses HNF-6 transcription by inhibiting HNF-6 DNA binding activity. This is the first reported example of a liver-enriched transcription factor (HNF-6) functioning as a coactivator protein to potentiate the transcriptional activity of another liver factor, FoxA2.

Adenoviridae↗

Autoantibodies against a novel DNA-binding protein: DNA-protein interaction as a requisite for expression of antigenic reactivity.

A novel DNA-binding protein complex, the HB complex, has been characterized by means of autoantibodies. Three proteins of 9000, 7500, and 7000 Da constitute the HB complex. The 9000- and 7500-Da proteins are phosphorylated. Autoantibodies recognize the 7000-Da protein when it is bound to DNA. No reactivity against any protein was observed when the complex was dissociated from DNA. The three proteins are acidic (pI 5-6.2), and the complex was able to bind to synthetic double-stranded DNAs of different composition.

Animals↗

A novel DNA-binding protein associated with DNA polymerase-alpha in pea stimulates polymerase activity on infrequently primed templates.

A 42 kDa DNA-binding protein is associated with DNA polymerase-alpha-primase in pea (Pisum sativum). In a previous publication it was shown that the protein has strong preference for ds-ss junctions in DNA, including the cohesive termini generated by restriction endonucleases. In this paper it is shown that when the DNA-binding protein is added back to polymerase-primase, the protein stimulates the activity of the polymerase. The stimulation is particularly marked when M13 DNA, primed with a single sequencing primer or primed with oligoribonucleotides by the polymerase's associated primase activity, is used as a template. The stimulation of polymerase activity is not caused by an increase in processivity. These data lead to the suggestion that the 42 kDa DNA-binding protein is a primer-recognition protein.

Animals↗

Genetic analysis of the phi X174 DNA binding protein.

The phi X174 J protein is 37 amino acids in length and contains 12 basic residues. There are no acidic amino acids in the protein. The basic residues are concentrated in two clusters in the N-terminus which are separated by a proline-rich region. To investigate the morphogenetic functions of the J protein and possible mechanisms by which it may bind DNA, a genetic analysis was conducted. Lysine --> leucine and arginine --> leucine substitutions were generated within the basic amino acid clusters. At least three substitutions were required to eliminate viability in vivo. Lethal mutants with three or four substitutions exhibit dominant lethal phenotypes, indicating that the mutant proteins retain enough function to interfere with productive assembly. In cells infected with a dominant lethal mutant, noninfectious packaged particles were produced. Infectivity can be restored by second-site suppressors in the viral coat protein which disrupt polar interactions atop the threefold axis of symmetry in the capsid. The viability of strains containing compensating frameshift mutations within the proline-rich region suggests that only the proline residues in this segment are critical for efficient function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A cDNA clone for a novel nuclear protein with DNA binding activity.

In an effort to identify trans-acting factors regulating specific genes, we cloned a novel human gene, DBP-5. The cDNA clone contains a predicted open reading frame coding for a potential 1,179 amino acid protein. The mRNA corresponding to DBP-5 is ubiquitously distributed, and the gene is phylogenetically conserved. Immunofluorescence analyses with several cell lines indicate that the protein is localized to the nucleus. Sequence analysis revealed unusual features of the predicted protein structure, including four completely conserved repeats. The phylogenetic conservation of DBP-5, the ubiquity of its expression, its nuclear localization, and its ability to bind DNA sequences, raise the possibility that DBP-5 may play a role in the organization of interphase chromatin and/or in transcriptional regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Yeast heat shock factor is an essential DNA-binding protein that exhibits temperature-dependent phosphorylation.

Heat shock promoters contain one or more binding sites for a specific heat shock factor (HSF). We report the cloning and sequence of the gene encoding yeast HSF, and demonstrate that HSF is required for growth at normal temperatures (15 degrees C-30 degrees C). The activity of a promoter containing a synthetic HSF binding site varies over a 200-fold range between 15 degrees C and 39 degrees C (heat shock). This change in activity is accompanied by multiple changes in the phosphorylation state of HSF, but all forms of HSF are able to bind DNA. We propose that the expression of heat shock genes in yeast is modulated by phosphorylation of DNA-bound HSF, and that this leads to a more efficient interaction of the factor with other components of the transcriptional machinery.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complementary use of MALDI and ESI for the HPLC-MS/MS analysis of DNA-binding proteins.

Proteins from Escherichia coli were isolated based on their ability to bind DNA and digested in-solution with trypsin; the resulting peptides were separated using HPLC and subsequently analyzed using MALDI TOF/TOF and ESI Q-TOF instruments. Various properties of the peptides observed with the two ionization techniques were compared taking into account the differences between the mass analyzers. This empirical analysis of a data set containing hundreds of peptides and thousands of individual amino acids supports some of the currently held notions regarding the complementary nature of the two ionization processes. Specifically, ESI tends to favor the identification of hydrophobic peptides whereas MALDI tends to lead to the identification of basic and aromatic species. Findings from the present study suggest that ESI and MALDI may be complementary due to the biases of the two ionization techniques for certain classes of amino acids. From a practical standpoint, these biases indicate that, for the present at least, analyses must be performed on both types of instruments in order to gain the most information possible out of a given set of samples in a proteomics study.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Kinetic preference for oriented DNA binding by the yeast TATA-binding protein TBP.

In solution, the TATA box binding protein from S. cerevisiae (yTBP) is only minimally oriented when bound to the adenovirus major late promoter (AdMLP) and the yeast CYC1 promoter. At equilibrium, approximately 60% of the complexes are assembled in the orientation observed within crystal structures; 40% are assembled in the opposite orientation. Here we use stopped-flow fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to study the association kinetics of the two TBP.TATA box orientational isomers. Kinetics were determined by monitoring FRET between a unique tryptophan residue engineered into either the C- or the N-terminal stirrup of the conserved C-terminal subunit of yeast TBP (yTBPc) and an aminocoumarin moiety appended either upstream or downstream of the TATA box. Together, these constructs permitted a simultaneous yet independent monitor of the kinetics of TBP binding in both orientations. Not only did our results provide an independent confirmation of the free energy difference between the two orientational isomers, but they also showed that the orientational binding preference at equilibrium is a result of a faster association rate when TBP binds DNA in the orientation observed in the crystal structure.

Coumarins↗

SPI-B activates transcription via a unique proline, serine, and threonine domain and exhibits DNA binding affinity differences from PU.1.

SPI-B is a B lymphocyte-specific Ets transcription factor that shares a high degree of similarity with PU.1/SPI-1. In direct contrast to PU.1(-/-) mice that die in utero and lack monocytes, neutrophils, B cells, and T cells, Spi-B-/- mice are viable and exhibit a severe B cell proliferation defect. Since PU.1 is expressed at wild type levels in Spi-B-/- B cells, the mutant mice provide genetic evidence that SPI-B and PU.1 have at least some non-redundant roles in B lymphocytes. To begin to understand the molecular basis for these defects, we delineated functional domains of SPI-B for comparison to those of PU.1. By using a heterologous co-transfection system, we identified two independent transactivation domains in the N terminus of SPI-B. Interestingly, only one of these domains (amino acids 31-61), a proline/serine/threonine-rich region, unique among Ets proteins, is necessary for transactivation of the immunoglobulin lambda light chain enhancer. This transactivation motif is in marked contrast to PU.1, which contains acidic and glutamine-rich domains. In addition, we describe a functional PU.1 site within the c-FES promoter which SPI-B fails to bind efficiently and transactivate. Finally, we show that SPI-B interacts with the PU.1 cofactors Pip, TBP, c-Jun and with lower affinity to nuclear factor interleukin-6beta and retinoblastoma. Taken together, these data suggest that SPI-B binds DNA with a different affinity for certain sites than PU.1 and harbors different transactivation domains. We conclude that SPI-B may activate unique target genes in B lymphocytes and interact with unique, although currently unidentified, cofactors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The immunoglobulin heavy-chain matrix-associating regions are bound by Bright: a B cell-specific trans-activator that describes a new DNA-binding protein family.

B lymphocyte-restricted transcription of immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) genes is specified by elements within the variable region (VH) promoter and the intronic enhancer (E mu). The gene encoding a protein that binds a VH promoter proximal site necessary for induced mu-heavy-chain transcription has been cloned. This B-cell specific protein, termed Bright (B cell regulator of IgH transcription), is found in both soluble and matrix insoluble nuclear fractions. Bright binds the minor groove of a restricted ATC sequence that is sufficient for nuclear matrix association. This sequence motif is present in previously described matrix-associating regions (MARs) proximal to the promoter and flanking E mu. Bright can activate E mu-driven transcription by binding these sites, but only when they occur in their natural context and in cell lines permissive for E mu activity. To bind DNA, Bright requires a novel tetramerization domain and a previously undescribed domain that shares identity with several proteins, including SWI1, a component of the SWI/SNF complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

E2A expression, nuclear localization, and in vivo formation of DNA- and non-DNA-binding species during B-cell development.

A monoclonal antibody (Yae) was characterized and shown to specifically recognize E2A proteins in vivo, including the E2A-Pbx1 fusion gene products, p77E2A-Pbx1 and p85E2A-Pbx1. E2A proteins of a predominant molecular mass of 72 kDa, which comigrated with in vitro-produced rat E12 and and rat E47, were detected in human pro-B, pre-B, mature B, and plasma cell lines. The Yae antibody detected an E2A-containing microE2 enhancer element-binding complex (BCF-1) in pre-B- and mature B-cell lines in electrophoretic mobility shift assays which displayed a migration rate similar to that of in vitro-produced rat E12 and rat E47. A new E2A-containing microE2-binding species (P-E2A) was identified in plasma cells by using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. E2A proteins were detected in pro-B cells but were unable to bind the microE2 site. These observations suggest that the microE2 site is the target of stage-specific E2A regulatory complexes during B-cell development. Immunostaining analyses demonstrated the predominant nuclear localization of E2A proteins. Finally, we have identified an E2A form, designated I-E2A, which is unable to bind DNA. Our observations demonstrate novel in vivo mechanisms for the regulation of transcription by E2A proteins during B-cell development.

Animals↗

DNA ligase III is recruited to DNA strand breaks by a zinc finger motif homologous to that of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Identification of two functionally distinct DNA binding regions within DNA ligase III.

Mammalian DNA ligases are composed of a conserved catalytic domain flanked by unrelated sequences. At the C-terminal end of the catalytic domain, there is a 16-amino acid sequence, known as the conserved peptide, whose role in the ligation reaction is unknown. Here we show that conserved positively charged residues at the C-terminal end of this motif are required for enzyme-AMP formation. These residues probably interact with the triphosphate tail of ATP, positioning it for nucleophilic attack by the active site lysine. Amino acid residues within the sequence RFPR, which is invariant in the conserved peptide of mammalian DNA ligases, play critical roles in the subsequent nucleotidyl transfer reaction that produces the DNA-adenylate intermediate. DNA binding by the N-terminal zinc finger of DNA ligase III, which is homologous with the two zinc fingers of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, is not required for DNA ligase activity in vitro or in vivo. However, this zinc finger enables DNA ligase III to interact with and ligate nicked DNA at physiological salt concentrations. We suggest that in vivo the DNA ligase III zinc finger may displace poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase from DNA strand breaks, allowing repair to occur.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Determination of binding constant of DNA-binding drug to target DNA by surface plasmon resonance biosensor technology.

The experimental determination of the binding constant of a drug for its target molecule is of considerable importance. It is a basic experimental parameter in a variety of studies, such as the prediction of drug efficiency, or in the pharmacokinetic drug interaction. DNA-binding drugs have been reported to be able to interfere in a sequence dependent manner with biological functions such as topoisomerase activity, restriction of enzyme cleavage of DNA, protein-DNA interactions and the activity of transcription factors, leading to alteration of gene expression. This effect could have important practical application in the experimental therapy of human pathologies, including neoplastic diseases and viral, or microbial infections. The assessment of the biological activity of DNA-binding drugs by polymerase chain reaction, footprinting, gel retardation and in vitro transcription studies was recently reported. However, most of these techniques are steady-state methodologies and therefore are not suitable for an easy determination of the binding activity of DNA-binding drugs to target DNA and the stability of drugs-DNA complexes. Direct real-time observation and measurement of the interaction between DNA-binding drug and target DNA sequence is a subject of interest for drug discovery and development. The recent development of biosensors, based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, enables monitoring of a variety of biospecific interactions of DNA-binding drugs with target DNA elements in real-time. The present review is designed to indicate the theoretical background of SPR-based biosensor technology as well as to present the great variety of measurements and modes of interaction kinetics that can be performed with these techniques. In addition, some of the most recent studies in determining the binding constant and stoichiometry of DNA-binding drugs to target DNA with SPR technology are reviewed and the available theoretical aspects necessary for the comprehension of the experiments are provided.

Animals↗

Immunological characterization of an early cytomegalovirus single-strand DNA-binding protein with similarities to the HSV major DNA-binding protein.

Monospecific polyclonal antisera were prepared against the 129-kDa, early, single-strand DNA-binding protein (DB129) of strain Colburn cytomegalovirus (CMV), and used to study its distribution in infected cells and its relatedness to a proposed human CMV (HCMV) counterpart (DB140). Indirect immunofluorescence of fixed, infected human fibroblasts showed DB129 to be localized within the intranuclear inclusions characteristic of replicating CMV. Treatment of infected cells with 50 to 100 micrograms phosphonoformic acid per milliliter resulted in the overproduction of DB129 and its accumulation within nuclei, both inside the inclusions and in surrounding areas of the nucleoplasm, whereas treatment with 500 micrograms/ml prevented inclusion formation, and DB129 was localized at discrete points throughout the infected-cell nuclei. The sera cross-reacted an estimated 10% with HCMV DB140 in an indirect immunoassay, and their use in immunofluorescence localized DB140 to the nuclear inclusions of HCMV-infected cells. Their immunological cross-reactivity, as well as their similar biochemical properties and intracellular distribution, support the likelihood that DB129 and DB140 are the protein products of homologous genes. The relationship of these proteins to the herpes simplex major DNA-binding protein is discussed.

Cell Compartmentation↗

Potency of carcinogens derived from covalent DNA binding and stimulation of DNA synthesis in rat liver.

In order to investigate the role of the stimulation of cell division for the initiation (and possibly promotion) of liver tumors by chemical carcinogens, the incorporation of radiolabelled thymidine into liver DNA was determined in male rats. Single doses of various levels of aflatoxin B1, benzidine and carbon tetrachloride (all known to be genotoxic via DNA binding) did not affect cell division, whereas several hepatocarcinogens known not to bind to DNA (alpha-HCH, clofibrate, and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) gave rise to a dose-dependent stimulation of liver DNA synthesis within 24 h. An equation combining the influences of mitotic stimulation, expressed as dose required to double the control level of DNA synthesis, and DNA binding potency, expressed as the Covalent Binding Index, correlated well with the carcinogenic potency for both classes of hepatocarcinogens.

Animals↗

A novel AT-rich DNA binding protein that combines an HMG I-like DNA binding domain with a putative transcription domain.

There is growing evidence that AT-rich promoter elements play a role in transcription of plant genes. For the promoter of the nuclear gene for chloroplast glutamine synthetase from pea (GS2), the deletion of a 33-bp AT-rich sequence (box 1 native) from the 5' end of a GS2 promoter-beta-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion resulted in a 10-fold reduction in GUS activity. The box 1 native element was used in gel shift analysis and two distinct complexes were detected. One complex is related to the low-mobility complex reported previously for AT-rich elements from several other plant promoters. A multimer of the box 1 sequence was used to isolate a cDNA encoding an AT-rich DNA binding protein (ATBP-1). ATBP-1 is not a high-mobility group protein, but it is a novel protein that combines a high-mobility group I/Y-like DNA binding domain with a glutamine-rich putative transcriptional domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗